The concept for The Van-Dells was created by Myron St. John in 1973 with some local success in the Toledo, Oh area. The group was known as Myron & The Van-Dells. We took on the personas of the last graduating class of Van-Dell High School that closed down in 1958 and became part of the Public school system and was now a number instead of Van-Dell High. That is why the “58” is on our sweaters. It was decided that they group would play 50’s and 60’s music to set them apart from the other groups that were playing current hits. In 1974, the opportunity of going to Florida for a 10 day tour was accepted and the band has been on the road now for 50 years.

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In March of “74” Stacy Todd, “Duke” joined Doug “Spider” Manley, when several members returned to Toledo. 2 weeks later Steve “Moose” Ricks joined the band. We played a few different clubs in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, FL. Then we got a booking in Panama City Beach, Fl. at Breakers East that changed the direction of the band. We were forced to use the dance floor because the stage was too small. We were leery about taking over the dance floor but after doing it for a week, we were hooked. We were no longer a dance band. Myron & The Van-Dells had become a “Showband”!

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We developed characters and then added a 4th frontman, Dave “Chumley” Brumley in “75”. Changes happened within the band and we became The Van-Dells in 1976.

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Through the course of 50 years there have been 10 lead singers in the band.

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Stacy Todd, “Duke is a 50 year alumni, Mark Barnett, 44 years, Glenn Bowles 25 year, Steve Ricks, 15 years, Dave Brumley, 15 years, Kevin Miller, 2 years,  Bill Mentz, 5 years,

Jeff Carmack, 2 years, Jack Crook, 2 years,  Doug Manley, 4 years.

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The Van-Dells always were meticulous with making sure the show was tight with costuming, choreography, comedy & tight vocals backed by some the best musicians available that sang and did choreography as well. Several have gone on to perform with major artists such as George Thorogood, The Bellamy Brothers, Aaron Goodvin and Terry Fator

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The Van-Dells have recorded 2- 45’s, 19 albums/CD’s (one unreleased album) and 6 videos. The Van-Dells have worked all around the US, playing major showrooms, casinos, clubs and fairs along with cruises and even tours in Aruba and Germany.

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The Van-Dells have worked with major artists, headlining some shows as well as costarring and supporting several artists, including The Drifters, The Platters, The Coasters, The Flamingos, Chubby Checker, Bobby Vee, Ricky Nelson, Conway Twitty, John Denver, Kathy Mattea, Richie Havens, Don Williams, JD Sumner, Gary Puckett, Lou Christie, Guess Who,  Jerry Lee Lewis, Lee Greenwood, Freddy Fender, Roy Clark, The Shirelles, Winona Judd, Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed, Chuck Berry, Ray Peterson, The Mills Bros, Juliet Prowse, Pat Boone, Bo Diddley, The Mills Brothers, The 5th Dimension, Joey Heatherton, John Davidson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Temptations and more.

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Largest crowd 80,000 people Charleston WV/ Smallest crowd 4 people Indianapolis, In

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We are in our 51st year. Come see us one last time. This year is the last.

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Duke